Controversy and Panic Among Residents as Snake Bite Kills 27 in Taraba State

Posted by Odinaka on Wed 01st Jun, 2016 - tori.ng

Hospitals and herbal homes in Taraba are battling to save the lives of several of its residents as the state has been hit by snakes bites which has so far killed 27 persons.

Illustrative photos of snake bites

Following the various degrees of injuries some local residents sustained from snake bites ravaging the Donga Local Government Council of Taraba State, no fewer than 27 persons have been confirmed dead.

According to The Guardian, apart from the death of residents, hospitals and herbal homes, are treating several persons that are suffering from the attack.

Filibuster Sambo, the Counselor representing Suntai Ward, who confirmed the report, said efforts to rescue the victims failed as both the traditional and orthodox medications are not helping matters.

Visibly dejected, he said: "So far, four people have died in Suntai, eight in Kadarko, nine in Tor-Damis Akate, four in Kumbo and two in Gayama, bringing the total to 27 persons that have so far died as a result of snake bites in our community."

Dejected that anti-snake bite and traditional medicines have not been effective, the need for the relevant authority to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of the affected communities, he believed has become relevant.

Ibrahim Barnabas Pasoki, the Chairman of Donga Local Government, who also spoke to on the disaster, said with the spread of the snakebites, the council has contacted the State Ministry of Health and the Taraba State government.

The situation, as gathered has compelled several people domiciling in the affected villages to seek for an alternative means of livelihood and relocating elsewhere.

Some medical personnel who are presently administering treatment too some of the victims, are of the opinion that the death toll would increase if urgent measures are not put in place to make the necessary drugs available to the communities.

A senior staff of the state Ministry of Health who also spoke to a correspondent, confirmed that the Ministry is aware of the disaster but said, "We're yet to be officially informed by the leadership of that council."

This shocking development is coming as the state has recorded an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, which is fast threatening the lives of cows.